Because American Idol once had a two-hour show that actually ran for two hours and seventeen minutes. True story. In 2026, a live results episode went so long that Twitter exploded with memes of Ryan Seacrest aging in real-time. The show is famous for these “surprise extensions,” like when they bring out a random former winner to sing a medley of songs nobody asked for.
So, if you’re planning a bathroom break, wait until the “World’s Most Emotional Performance Ever” segment ends. That’s usually around the 90-minute mark. Or just hold it. You’re an adult. You can handle a little bladder discomfort for the sake of Carrie Underwood’s glory.
